Aboriginal education prof receives LU teaching award

Laurentian University education professor Pamela Rose Toulouse is the recipient of the university's Teaching Excellence Award for Full-Time Faculty for 2013-2014.

Originally from the Sagamok First Nation, Pamela Rose Toulouse is a proud Ojibwe/Odawa woman and is well-known for her work in First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Education.

A reception in Toulouse’s honour was held at Laurentian April 2. The official award will be presented at the 2014 Spring Convocation.

“Kinoomaage is the Ojibwe word that is closest to the English term for teaching,” Toulouse said, in a press release.
“My students, past, present and future, continue to be my greatest educators. They are an essential part of Kinoomaage that inspires me to organize, research and prepare a classroom environment that honours them all.”

Dr. Toulouse’s approach is based in building rich relationships between classmates. She also provides a safe space for students to discuss issues in education and encourages them to investigate these further.

“Through her teaching, Pamela Toulouse contributes to the culturally responsive learning environment that we strive to foster at Laurentian University,” said Robert Kerr, vice-president and Provost at Laurentian.

“She is regarded by her students and fellow faculty members with respect and admiration for her passion and commitment to her work.”

“When we think of memorable teachers, the ones who were confident in our abilities, pushed us to always be better, encouraged us to pursue further education, and helped us learn from our mistakes so we could succeed, one person always comes to mind,” said her Junior/Intermediate Methods Students in their nomination letter. “Dr. Pamela Toulouse encompasses all of these qualities and she is an outstanding educator. She encourages her students to simply try their best in all endeavors.”

Toulouse began her career as an elementary school teacher and moved to higher education 14 years ago.

She currently teaches Primary/Junior Methods, Junior/Intermediate Methods, Primary/Junior Literacy and Native Social Welfare. Her areas of specialty are classroom management, lesson planning, learning cycles, assessment, technology, and First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Education.

She has also published more than 40 resources, including books, curriculum pieces and articles.